The Indianapolis Colts and Andrew Luck seemed like an inevitable pairing all the way back in October when reports first surfaced that Colts owner Jim Irsay was taking in some of Luck’s games first-hand.
It has long been speculated that the Colts would be drafting the top QB prospect since Peyton Manning and only another late season win could have prevented this scenario.
Luck will join a struggling Colts team which was molded to fit Peyton Manning and his style of play…he also has some pretty big shoes to fill.
Luck may never be as good as Peyton Manning overall, but if he can bring them to the playoffs year after year than his tenure as a Colt should be considered a success.
Fantasy Impact:
Andrew Luck – Luck will be a hot dynasty league commodity but may not reach QB1 status until his second year in the league. Reggie Wayne will provide him with an excellent target but with defenses focusing on keeping him in check Luck will have to rely on Austin Collie, Coby Fleener, Donnie Avery and three rookies. Luck looks like a QB2 with potential QB1 upside depending on the opponent. Luck should be a top-4 pick in most dynasty league drafts and will go number one in some leagues.
Reggie Wayne – Reggie Wayne should remain a WR2 with Luck coming to town but has the ability to find himself back in the top-10 over the second half of the season. If Avery can return to form than Wayne could have a great season, if he cannot Wayne has to hope that Hilton or Brazill can contribute in their first season.
Delone Carter/Donald Brown – There should be more space for the running game vis a vis the 2011 season. Carter and Brown could form a formidable tandem as both have legitimate upside. We cannot discount the Colts adding another back through the draft but the fact remains that whoever gets the starting nod here will likely be nothing more than a flex option with RB3 upside.
Donnie Avery – Avery could have quite the season if he can find his pre-injury form. A talented receiver with some of the best wheels of any wideout in the NFL, Avery will stretch the field when healthy and may have a career year as a number two option beside Reggie Wayne. By mid-season we see Avery alleviating some pressure off of Wayne as opposing defenses will be forced to contend with his blistering speed. Avery is a potential flex2 option with WR3 upside.
Austin Collie – If healthy Collie could become Luck’s favorite target. A highly efficient receiver Collie will benefit from all the coverage Wayne and even Avery will receive on vertical routes allowing him to excel on short to intermediate routes. Collie is an enigma with WR2 upside and a flex2 floor. When drafting pay no more than low end WR3 value for him.
Coby Fleener – Luck and Fleener reunite in the NFL and the news could not be better for Luck’s long-term outlook. Fleener was not a prolific receiver in college but is an excellent red-zone weapon and is someone who already has a strong rapport with the rookie QB. Fleener will help Luck stay respectable in year one and his redraft outlook in on the rise. Fleener looks like a TE2 with TE1 upside.
Dwayne Allen – Allen will be used more as a blocker than Fleener but is also a very adept pass catcher for a tight end leading many to believe that the Colts will be using multiple two tight end sets going forward. Allen is nothing more than an injury replacement in year one.
T.Y Hilton – Hilton looks like someone that will man the slot in three wide receiver formations but also possesses vertical speed and can do damage downfield out of the slot. Hilton looks like nothing more than a potential bye week filler at this point. Dynasty leaguers are not suggested to spend a draft pick on Hilton as he is someone better left on the FA wire until he starts to carve out a significant role with the Colts.
LaVon Brazill – Brazill looks like a receiver who could make an impact for the Colts somewhere down the line but does not project to get that opportunity in 2012. The receiving corps is crowded and the Colts now boast two receiving tight ends who will further limit Brazill’s opportunity. Pay attention to pre-season action as a strong performance could skyrocket him up the depth chart.
Now for some highlights:
